Cam lever actuated cable sealing device

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a cable sealing device (30) for providing a seal around a communications cable (88, 90). The cable sealing device (30) includes a cable seal arrangement (38) positioned between first and second compression plates (92F, 92R). The cable sealing device (30) also includes an actuator (36) for compressing the first and second compression plates (92F, 92R) together to deform the cable sealing arrangement (38) such that the cable sealing arrangement (38) is adapted to form a seal about a cable (88, 90) routed through the cable sealing device (30). The actuator includes a cam lever (94) pivotally movable between an actuated position (P2) and a non-actuated position (P1). The actuator also includes a spring (98) for transferring load between the cam lever (94) and the first and second compression plates (92F, 92R). The spring (98) is pre-loaded when the cam lever (94) is in the non-actuated position (P1) (FIG. 13) with a pre-load equal to at least 50 percent of a total load applied through the spring (98) when the cam lever 94) is in the actuated position (P2).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/985,476, filed 14 Aug. 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,512,920, which is aNational Stage Application of PCT/EP2012/058448, filed 8 May 2012, whichclaims benefit of Ser. No. 11/165,521.3, filed 10 May 2011 in theEuropean Patent Office and which applications are incorporated herein byreference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made toeach of the above disclosed applications.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications systems typically employ a network oftelecommunications cables capable of transmitting large volumes of dataand voice signals over relatively long distances. The telecommunicationscables can include fiber optic cables, electrical cables, orcombinations of electrical and fiber optic cables. A typicaltelecommunications network also includes a plurality oftelecommunications enclosures integrated throughout the network oftelecommunications cables. The telecommunications enclosures are adaptedto house and protect telecommunications components such as splices,termination panels, power splitters and wavelength divisionmultiplexers. It is often preferred for the telecommunicationsenclosures to be re-enterable. The term “re-enterable” means that thetelecommunications enclosures can be reopened to allow access to thetelecommunications components housed therein without requiring theremoval and destruction of the telecommunications enclosures. Forexample, certain telecommunications enclosures can include separateaccess panels that can be opened to access the interiors of theenclosures, and then closed to re-seal the enclosures. Othertelecommunications enclosures take the form of elongated sleeves formedby wrap-around covers or half-shells having longitudinal edges that arejoined by clamps or other retainers. Still other telecommunicationsenclosures include two half-pieces that are joined together throughclamps, wedges or other structures.

Telecommunications enclosures are typically sealed to inhibit theintrusion of moisture or other contaminants. Pressurized gel-type sealshave been used to effectively seal the locations wheretelecommunications cables enter and exit telecommunications enclosures.Example pressurized gel-type seals are disclosed by document EP 0442941B1 and document EP 0587616 B1. Both of these documents disclose gel-typecable seals that are pressurized through the use of threaded actuators.Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,406 discloses a cable seal that ispressurized through the use of an actuator including a cam lever. Whilepressurized cable seals have generally proven to be effective,improvements in this area are still needed.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable sealing devicefor providing a seal around a communications cable. The cable sealingdevice includes a cable seal arrangement positioned between first andsecond compression plates. The cable sealing device also includes anactuator for compressing the first and second compression platestogether to deform the cable sealing arrangement such that the cablesealing arrangement is adapted to form a seal about a cable routedthrough the cable sealing device. The actuator includes a cam leverpivotally movable between an actuated position and a non-actuatedposition. The actuator also includes a spring for transferring loadbetween the cam lever and the first and second compression plates. Thespring is pre-loaded when the cam lever is in the non-actuated positionwith a pre-load equal to at least 50 percent of a total load appliedthrough the spring when the cam lever is in the actuated position.

In certain embodiments, the pre-load is equal to at least 75 percent ofthe total load applied through the spring when the cam lever is in theactuated position. In other embodiments, the actuator has a strokelength less than 10 millimeters with the stroke length being equal to adistance the spring is displaced as the cam lever is pivoted between thenon-actuated and the actuated positions. In further embodiments, thepre-load is at least 40 kPa. In still other embodiments, wherein thespring is captured within a spring containment housing that maintainsthe spring under the pre-load while the cam lever is in the non-actuatedposition while preventing the spring from transferring the pre-load tothe first and second compression plates while the cam lever is in thenon-actuated position. In further embodiments, the spring is capturedbetween positive stops that maintain the spring under the pre-load whilethe cam lever is in the non-actuated position while preventing thespring from transferring the pre-load to the first and secondcompression plates while the cam lever is in the non-actuated position.In still other embodiments, the cam lever includes a cam surface thatcauses displacement of the spring as the cam lever is pivoted betweenthe actuated and non-actuated positions. In other embodiments, a visualindicator is provided on the spring which indicates a level ofcompression of the cable sealing arrangement. In further embodiments,the cable sealing arrangement has a wrap-around configuration.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an actuator forcompressing a cable sealing unit. The actuator includes a frontcompression plate and a rear compression plate. The actuator alsoincludes a spring contained within a spring containment tube having arearward end coupled to the front compression plate and a forward endbeing positioned adjacent to a cam lever. The spring is captured withinthe spring containment tube between the front compression plate and aslide ring slidably mounted within the spring containment tube. Theslide ring engages a forward stop positioned adjacent the forward end ofthe spring containment tube when the cam lever is in a non-actuatedposition such that a preload is maintained on the spring and no load istransferred between the cam lever and the spring when the cam lever isin the non-actuated position. The actuator further includes an actuatorshaft having a forward end pivotally coupled to the cam lever and arearward end coupled to the rear compression plate. The actuator shaftextends through the front compression plate, the spring, the springcontainment tube and the slide ring. The cam lever includes a camsurface that applies a rearward load to the slide ring as the cam leveris pivoted from the non-actuated position to an actuated position. Incertain embodiments, the slide ring moves rearwardly from the forwardstop when the rearward load from the cam surface exceeds the pre-load ofthe spring. In other embodiments, the actuator shaft is tensioned as therearward load is applied to the slide ring by the cam surface therebycausing the front and rear compression plates to be compressed together.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a re-enterableenclosure including a cable sealing device mounted therein. The cablesealing device is pressurized by an actuator and when pressurized isconfigured to provide a seal about a cable routed through the cablesealing device into the enclosure. In certain embodiments, an actuatorof the cable sealing device is configured to interfere with closing theenclosure when the actuator is in a non-actuated position.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an enclosureincluding a main housing that can be opened and closed. The enclosureincludes a cable sealing device mounted in the main housing for sealingaround a communications cable routed into the main housing. The cablesealing device includes a cable seal arrangement for sealing around thecable. The cable sealing device also includes an actuator that isactuated to pressurize the cable seal arrangement. The actuator ismovable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. Whenthe actuator is in the non-actuated position, the actuator interfereswith closing of the main housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, top perspective view of a telecommunicationsenclosure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front, elevation view of the telecommunications enclosure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side, elevation view of the telecommunications enclosure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear, elevation view of the telecommunications enclosure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top, plan view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG.1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom, plan view of the telecommunications enclosure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1showing a main housing exploded outwardly from a cable sealing device;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the cable sealing device of FIG. 7with a peripheral casing exploded outwardly from the remainder of thecable sealing device;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the cable sealing device of FIG. 7 showinga cable sealing arrangement exploded outwardly from an actuator of thecable sealing device;

FIG. 10 is a front, elevation view of the cable sealing arrangement ofthe cable sealing device of FIG. 7, the cable sealing arrangement isshown in a non-pressurized state;

FIG. 11 shows the cable sealing arrangement of FIG. 10 in a pressurizedstate;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the actuator of the cable sealing deviceof FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the telecommunications enclosure ofFIG. 1 with a cam lever of the telecommunications enclosure in anon-actuated state, the cross-section is taken along a verticalcross-section plane that longitudinally bisects the telecommunicationsenclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the telecommunicationsenclosure of FIG. 1 with the cam lever in an actuated state, thecross-section is taken along a vertical cross-section plane thatlongitudinally bisects the telecommunications enclosure;

FIG. 15 is a front, elevation view of a front compression plate of thecable sealing device of FIG. 7, the front compression plate is shownwith flexible cable pass-through members in a non-flexed orientation;

FIG. 16 shows the front compression plate of FIG. 15 with selected onesof the cable pass-through members in a flexed orientation;

FIG. 17 is a front, elevation view of a rear compression plate of thesealing device of FIG. 7, the rear compression plate is shown withflexible cable pass-through members in a non-flexed orientation;

FIG. 18 shows the rear compression plate of FIG. 17 with selected onesof the cable pass-through members in flexed orientations;

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the cable sealing device of FIG. 7, theexploded view shows a wrap-around configuration for receiving cablesthrough main central openings of the cable sealing device;

FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the sealing device of FIG. 7 showing awrap-around configuration for receiving peripheral cables through aperipheral cable passage region;

FIG. 21 shows an alternative configuration for the cable sealing deviceof FIG. 7, the alternative configuration includes a viewing window forallowing a level to which a spring of the actuator is displaced duringactuation of the cable sealing device;

FIG. 22 is a graph illustrating the relationship between spring forceand spring stroke length of a pre-loaded spring having a relatively lowspring constant;

FIG. 23 is a graph illustrating the relationship between spring forceand spring stroke length of a spring that has not been pre-loaded andthan has a medium spring constant;

FIG. 24 is a graph illustrating the relationship between spring strokelength and spring force for a spring that has not been pre-loaded andthat has a relatively high spring constant; and

FIG. 25 shows the telecommunications enclosure of FIG. 1 with the mainhousing modified to include an end skirt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a telecommunications enclosure 20 in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure. The telecommunicationsenclosure 20 is adapted for housing and protecting telecommunicationsoptical and/or electrical components such as splices (e.g., mechanicalsplices, fusion splices, etc.), power splitters, multiplexing components(e.g., wavelength division multiplexers (WDM's)) or other components.The telecommunications enclosure 20 is preferably environmentally sealedto inhibit the intrusion of moisture, dust or other contaminants. Sealedcable entry/exit locations are preferably provided for allowingtelecommunications cables (e.g., fiberoptic cables, electrical cables,etc.) to be routed into and out of the telecommunications enclosure 20without compromising the overall environmentally sealed nature of thetelecommunications enclosure 20. In the depicted embodiment, thetelecommunications enclosure 20 is a butt-style enclosure in whichcables are routed through only one end of the telecommunicationsenclosure 20. In-line pass-through enclosures are also contemplated tobe within the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring still to FIGS. 1-6, the telecommunications enclosure 20includes a main housing 22 having a first end 24 and an opposite secondend 26. The first end 24 of the main housing 22 is closed while thesecond end 26 defines an opening 28 in which a cable sealing device 30is mounted. The cable sealing device 30 includes central cable ports 32for allowing larger cables (e.g., trunk fiberoptic cables, feedercables, distribution cables, etc.) to be routed into and/or out of themain housing 22. The cable sealing device 30 further includes aperipheral cable passage region 34 for allowing smaller profile cables(e.g., drop cables) to enter and/or exit the main housing 22. The cablesealing device 30 also includes an actuator 36 for use in compressing acable seal arrangement 38 of the cable sealing device 30 so as toprovide environmental seals about each of the cables routed through thecable sealing device 30.

Referring to FIG. 7, the main housing 22 defines an interior region 40for housing components (e.g., optical or electrical components) of thetype described above. The main housing 22 includes a cover piece 42 thatmounts to a base piece 44. The base piece 44 includes a base flange 46that extends around a perimeter of the interior region 40. The baseflange 46 defines a groove 48 for receiving a sealing member. The coverpiece 42 includes a cover flange 50 that abuts against the base flange46 when the cover piece 42 is attached to the base piece 44. The coverflange 50 includes a seal compression member 52 that fits within thegroove 48 when the cover piece 42 is secured to the base piece 44. Theseal compression member 52 functions to compress the sealing memberwithin the groove 48 to provide an effective environmental seal betweenthe cover piece 42 and the base piece 44. It will be appreciated thatthe cover piece 42 and the base piece 44 can be secured together by avariety of mechanical means. Example mechanical means include fastenersextending through the base flange 46 and the cover flange 50, clamps,latches, or other structures. It is preferred for the mechanical meansto allow the main housing 22 to be re-enterable.

Referring still to FIG. 7, the cable sealing device 30 mounts within theopening 28 at the second end 26 of the main housing 22. The cablesealing device 30 includes a cable sealing unit 54 having a perimetercasing 56 that laterally surrounds the cable seal arrangement 38. Theperimeter casing 56 can also be referred to as a boundary element, acontainment element, a boundary structure, containment structure or liketerms. The perimeter casing 56 preferably has a relatively rigidconstruction and functions to laterally contain and enclose the cableseal arrangement 38. An outer sealing element 58 circumscribes anexterior of the perimeter casing 56. When the cable sealing device 30 ismounted within the opening 28 of the main housing 22, the cable sealingdevice 30 is captured between the cover piece 42 and the base piece 44of the main housing 22. When the cover piece 42 and the base piece 44are secured together with the cable sealing device capturedthereinbetween, the outer sealing element 58 is compressed therebyproviding a circumferential seal between the main housing 22 and theperimeter casing 56 of the cable sealing unit 54.

Referring to FIG. 8, the perimeter casing 56 of the cable sealing unit54 includes a base piece 60 and two bridge pieces 62. The bridge pieces62 include lower ends 65 having lower hooks 66 that engage catches 68 ofthe base piece 60 to secure the bridge pieces 62 to the base piece 60.The bridge pieces 62 also include upper latches 70 (e.g., snap fitlatches) for latching together upper ends 71 of the bridge pieces 62.When the bridge pieces 62 and the base piece 60 are secured together toform the perimeter casing 56, the resultant structure has a rigidconstruction capable of autonomously (i.e., independently) constrainingand containing the cable seal arrangement 38 when the cable sealarrangement 38 is compressed to a level suitable for providing effectiveenvironmental sealing about cables routed through the cable sealarrangement 38. As used above, the terms “autonomous” or “independent”mean that the perimeter casing 56 is capable of constraining andcontaining the cable seal arrangement 38 as described above without theassistance of other outside structures such as the main housing 22.Because of the autonomous containment provided by the perimeter casing56, the cable seal arrangement 38 can be fully pressurized through theuse of the actuator 36 even when the cable sealing device is not mountedwithin the main housing 22. Additionally, the autonomous containmentprovided by the perimeter casing 56 allows the cable seal arrangement 38to remain fully pressurized even when the main housing 22 is opened forre-entry. Thus, the cable seal arrangement 38 is only pressurized anddepressurized through use of the actuator 36 (e.g., when it is desiredto add a cable, remove a cable or adjust the existing cables).Minimizing the frequency that the cable seals are disturbed can assistin preventing the cable seals from becoming compromised over time.

Referring to FIG. 9, the cable seal arrangement 38 of the cable sealingdevice 30 includes a central sealing member 72, a lower sealing member74, and two upper sealing members 76. The sealing members can bereferred to as sealing blocks, sealing elements, sealing components,sealing structures or like terms. It is preferred for each of thesealing members to have a flowable or resilient construction that allowsthe sealing members to flow and/or deform when compressed so as to fillany void areas within the volume defined by the perimeter casing 56.

As shown at FIGS. 8 and 9, the upper sealing members 76 are shownseparate from the bridge pieces 62 and the lower sealing member 74 isshown separate form from the base piece 60. In certain embodiments, theupper sealing members 76 can be integrated with the bridge pieces 62 andthe lower sealing member 74 can be integrated with the base piece 60through the use of a co-molding process. For example, the lower sealingmember 74 can include an inner portion 74A molded inside the base piece60 and an outer portion 74B molded within an outer channel 61 defined bythe base piece 60. The inner portion 74A and the outer portion 74B ofthe lower sealing member 74 are interconnected by radial legs 74C thatextend through corresponding openings defined through the base piece 60.Similarly, the upper sealing members 76 include inner portions 76Amolded inside the bridge pieces 62 and outer portions 76B molded withinouter channels 63 defined by the bridge pieces 62. The outer portions76B are connected to the inner portions 76A by radial leg portions 76Cthat extend through corresponding openings defined by the bridge pieces62. The outer portions 76B of the upper sealing members 76 and the outerportion 74B of the lower sealing member 74 cooperate to define the outersealing element 58 that circumscribes the perimeter casing 56.

A bottom side of the central sealing member 72 cooperates with a topside of the lower sealing member 74 to provide circumferential sealsabout the peripheries (e.g., outer diameters) of cables routed throughthe central cable ports 32. More specifically, the upper side of thelower sealing member 74 defines two half-openings 80 that align withcorresponding half-openings 82 defined by the bottom side of the centralsealing member 72. The half-openings 80, 82 cooperate to define thecentral cable ports 32. When the central sealing member 72 and the lowersealing member 74 are compressed within the perimeter casing 56 whilecables are routed through the central cable ports 32, the centralsealing member 72 and the lower sealing member 74 deform and/or flowabout the cables to effectively provide circumferential sealing aboutthe outer diameters of the cables. When cables are not routed throughthe central cable ports 32, it will be appreciated that the centralcable ports 32 can be closed by temporary plugs.

The peripheral cable passage region 34 is defined between a top side ofthe central sealing member 72 and bottom sides of the upper sealingmembers 76. More particularly, peripheral cables can be routed betweenoutwardly facing sealing surfaces 84 (e.g., convex sealing surfaces) ofthe central sealing member 72 and inwardly facing sealing surfaces 86(e.g., concave sealing surfaces) defined by the upper sealing members76. When the central sealing members 72 and the upper sealing members 76are compressed while cables are routed thereinbetween, the centralsealing members 72 and the upper sealing members 76 deform and/or flowwithin the volume defined by the perimeter casing 56 so as to fill voidsaround the cables thereby forming effective seals about outerperipheries of the cables.

FIG. 10 shows the cable seal arrangement 38 in a non-pressurized state.Main cables 88 are shown routed through the central cable ports 32 and aplurality of peripheral cables 90 are shown routed through theperipheral cable passage region 34. When the cable seal arrangement 38is pressurized, the cable sealing arrangement flows and/or deforms tofill voids about the main cables 88 and the peripheral cables 90 and toeffectively provide seals about outer jackets of the cables. FIG. 11schematically shows the cable seal arrangement 38 in a pressurized statein which the central sealing member 72, the lower sealing member 74, andthe upper sealing members 76 have flowed to a sealing configuration inwhich seals are provided about jackets of the main cables 88 and theperipheral cables 90. While the peripheral cables 90 have generally beendepicted as having circular outer diameters, it will be appreciated thatcables having other types of transverse sectional profiles (e.g.,elongated cross-sections as often seen in flat drop cables) can also beaccommodated at the peripheral cable passage region 34.

Referring to FIGS. 12-14, the actuator 36 of the cable sealing device 30includes a front compression plate 92F and a rear compression plate 92Rbetween which the cable seal arrangement 38 is mounted. The actuator 36also includes a cam lever 94 that is pivotally movable between anon-actuated position P1 (see FIG. 13) and an actuated position P2 (seeFIG. 14). Movement of the cam lever 94 from the non-actuated position tothe actuated position forces the front compression plate 92F and therear compression plate 92R together thereby transitioning the cablesealing arrangement from the non-pressurized state (see FIG. 10) to thepressurized state (see FIG. 11). The front compression plate 92F and therear compression plate 92R are forced together in an axial orientationalong axis 96. The front compression plate 92F and the rear compressionplate 92R respectively provide front and rear axial containment of thecable seal arrangement 38. A spring 98 controls the amount of axialcompressive load that can be applied to the cable seal arrangement 38 bythe front compression plate 92F and the rear compression plate 92R.

The cam lever 94 is advantageous because it is intuitive to actuate andcan be used to pressurize the cable seal arrangement 38 in a single stepor motion that is fast, simple and standardized. Also, the position ofthe cam lever 94 provides a clear indication of whether the cable sealarrangement 38 has been actuated, and the operator does not need toassess a degree of compression of the cable seal arrangement 38.Depending upon the embodiment, the cam lever can either be pushed orpulled to move the cam lever from the non-actuated position to theactuated position.

The front compression plate 92F and the rear compression plate 92R eachinclude an upper plate portion 92U and a lower plate portion 92L. Whenthe upper plate portion 92U and the lower plate portion 92L are coupledtogether, the upper plate portion 92U and the lower plate portion 92Lwork together as a single plate for applying compressive load to thecable seal arrangement 38. The upper plate portion 92U and the lowerplate portion 92L cooperate to define openings 100 that correspond tothe central cable ports 32. The lower plate portions 92L define lowerhalf-openings 100L and the upper plate portions 92U define upperhalf-openings 100U that cooperate to define the openings 100.

The upper plate portions 92U include base regions 102 and flexible cablepass-through members 104 that project outwardly from the base regions102. It will be appreciated that the flexible cable pass-through members104 can be referred to as flexible arms, flexible fingers, flexibleelements, or like terms. The flexible cable pass-through members 104 canhave a cantilevered configuration with base ends 106 integrallyconnected to the base regions 102 and free ends 108 spaced radiallyoutwardly from the base regions 102 relative to the axis 96. Theflexible cable pass-through members 104 coincide with the peripheralcable passage region 34 and lengths of the flexible cable pass-throughmembers 104 traverse the gap/interface defined between the centralsealing member 72 and the upper sealing members 76. The flexible cablepass-through members 104 can flex about their base ends 106 along aplane generally perpendicular relative to the axis 96. The spacingsbetween the flexible cable pass-through members 104 are preferably sizedto prevent the cable seal arrangement 38 from flowing between theflexible cable pass-through members 104 when the cable seal arrangement38 is pressurized. Thus, the flexible cable pass-through members 104 areeffective for providing axial containment of the cable seal arrangement38.

The flexible nature of the flexible cable pass-through members 104allows cables of various sizes to be routed through the peripheral cablepassage region 34. For example, the flexible cable pass-through members104 are capable of flexing apart to accommodate peripheral cables oflarger size. FIG. 15 shows the upper plate portion 92U of the frontcompression plate 92F with no peripheral cables 90 inserted between anyof the flexible cable pass-through members 104 such that the flexiblemembers are all shown in non-flexed positions (i.e., neutral states). Incontrast, FIG. 16 shows selected ones of the flexible cable pass-throughmembers 104 of the front compression plate 92F flexed apart from theirnon-flexed positions to flexed positions (i.e., elastically loadedstates) so as to accommodate peripheral cables 90 inserted through theperipheral cable passage region 34. Similarly, FIG. 17 shows theflexible cable pass-through members 104 of the rear compression plate92R in non-flexed positions, and FIG. 18 shows selected ones of theflexible cable pass-through members 104 of the rear compression plate92R flexed apart to accommodate peripheral cables 90 inserted throughthe peripheral cable passage region 34.

Referring still to FIGS. 15-18, the flexible cable pass-through members104 define first spaces S1 when in the non-flexed positions and secondspaces S2 when in the flexed positions. In certain embodiments, the S2is at least 10 percent larger than S1. In other embodiments, S2 is atleast 25 percent larger than S1. In other embodiments, S2 is at least 25percent larger than S1. In still other embodiments, S2 is at least 50percent larger than S1. In further embodiments, S2 is at least 100percent larger than S1.

It will be appreciated that the cable sealing unit 54 has a wrap-aroundcable sealing configuration that allows cables to be radially/laterallyinserted into the central cable ports 32 and the peripheral cablepassage region 34. Thus, it is not required for cables to be axiallythreaded through the central cable ports 32 or the peripheral cablepassage region 34 during installation of the cables.

By disassembling the cable sealing unit 54 as shown at FIG. 19, cablescan be easily laterally inserted into either the central cable ports 32or the peripheral cable passage region 34. For example, main cables canbe laterally inserted into the central cable ports 32 by inserting thecables into the half-openings 82 (see FIG. 9) defined by the bottom sideof the central sealing member 72 and also into the upper half-openings100U of the openings 100 defined by the upper plate portions 92U of thefront compression plate 92F and the rear compression plate 92R.Subsequently, the lower plate portions 92L can be inserted under thecables and secured to the upper plate portions 92U such that the cablesare captured within the openings 100 defined by the upper half-openings100U defined by the upper plate portions 92U and the lower half-openings100L defined by the lower plate portions 92L. Subsequently, the lowersealing member 74 carried by the base piece 60 is inserted under thecables and between the front compression plate 92F and the rearcompression plate 92R such that the cables are captured within thehalf-openings 80, 82 respectively defined by the central sealing member72 and the lower sealing member 74. The bridge pieces 62 are then hookedto the base piece 60 and latched together at the top of the perimetercasing 56 to lock the pieces of the perimeter casing together. As soassembled, the front compression plate 92F and the rear compressionplate 92R are captured between respective front and rear flanges/lips ofthe perimeter casing 56.

To install peripheral cables 90 at the peripheral cable passage region34, the cable sealing block can be disassembled as shown at FIG. 20.Peripheral cables can then be inserted laterally between selected onesof the flexible cable pass-through members 104 of the front compressionplate 92F and the rear compression plate 92R. During the insertionprocess, the flexible cable pass-through members 104 can flex apart toaccommodate peripheral cables of different sizes. The peripheral cablescan be laterally inserted between the flexible cable pass-throughmembers 104 until the cables come into contact with the outwardly facingsealing surfaces 84 of the central sealing member 72. Thereafter, theupper sealing members 76 carried by the bridge pieces 62 can be insertedbetween the front compression plate 92F and the rear compression plate92R such that the peripheral cables are captured between the inwardlyfacing sealing surfaces 86 of the upper sealing members 76 and theoutwardly facing sealing surfaces 84 of the central sealing member 72.The bridge pieces 62 are then hooked to the base piece 60 and latchedtogether at the top of the perimeter casing 56 to lock the pieces of theperimeter casing together. As so assembled, the front compression plate92F and the rear compression plate 92R are captured between respectivefront and rear flanges/lips of the perimeter casing 56.

Referring back to FIG. 12, the rear compression plate 92R includes afront extension 110 that fits inside a central opening 112 (see FIG. 11)of the central sealing member 72. The front extension 110 and thecentral opening 112 have complementary shapes. In the depictedembodiment, the front extension 110 is integrally formed with the mainbody of the rear compression plate 92R.

Referring still to FIG. 12, the front compression plate 92F includes afront extension in the form of a spring housing 114. The spring housing114 is depicted as having a tubular shape. The spring housing 114functions as an enclosure for containing the spring 98. In the depictedembodiment, a rear end of the spring housing 114 is integrally formedwith a main body of the front compression plate 92F.

The actuator 36 of the cable sealing device 30 further includes alinkage for forcing the front compression plate 92F and the rearcompression plate 92R together so as to compress the cable sealarrangement 38. The linkage includes a central shaft 116 having a rearend coupled (e.g., integrally formed) with the rear compression plate92R. The central shaft 116 extends through the front compression plate92F and the spring housing 114. A front end 118 of the central shaft ispivotally connected to the cam lever 94 by a pivot pin 120. The centralshaft 116 also extends through the spring 98 and through a slide ring122 mounted within the spring housing 114. The slide ring is free tomove axially within the spring housing 114 along the axis 96. However, apositive stop 124 is provided at a front end of the spring housing 114stop for stopping forward movement of the slide ring 122 at the frontend of the spring housing 114.

The spring 98 is housed within the spring housing 114 and is pre-loaded(e.g., pre-compressed) with a substantial preload. The spring 98 iscaptured between the slide ring 122 and a front side of the frontcompression plate 92F. The spring housing 114 is not free to moveaxially relative to the front compression plate 92F. The preload on thespring 98 exists when the slide ring 122 is abutting the positive stop124 provided at the front end of the spring housing 114. In certainembodiments, the preload is at least 50% of the load applied by thespring 98 when the cam lever 94 is initially in the fully actuatedposition of FIG. 14. In other embodiments, the preload applied to thespring 98 is at least 75% of the load applied by the spring 98 when thecam lever 94 is initially in the fully actuated position of FIG. 14. Instill other embodiments, the preload applied to the spring 98 is atleast 40 kPa, or at least 50 kPa.

In the non-actuated orientation, the cam lever 94 does not apply anyaxially load to the slide ring 122 and the slide ring is biasedforwardly by the spring 98 against the positive stop 124 provided at thefront of the spring housing 114. In this configuration, the spring ispreloaded and held in a pre-loaded state through the cooperation of theslide ring 122 and the front side of the front compression plate 92F.Although the spring is pre-loaded, while the cam lever 94 is in thenon-actuated position, no tension is applied to the central shaft 116and no compressive load is generated for forcing the front compressionplate 92F and the rear compression plate 92R together. To actuate thecable sealing device 30, the cam lever 94 is manually pivoted from thenon-actuated position of FIG. 13 toward the actuated position of FIG.14. As the cam lever 94 pivots toward the actuated position, an end camsurface 126 of the cam lever 94 applies a rearward force to the slidering 122 in a direction along the axis 96. As the rearward force isapplied to the slide ring 122 by the end cam surface 126, tension isapplied to the central shaft 116 thereby causing the front compressionplate 92F and the rear compression plate 92R to be compressed together.As the cam lever 94 is pivoted further toward the actuated position, therearward force applied to the slide ring 122 increases thereby furtherincreasing the tension applied to the central shaft 116 and thecompressive load generated between the front compression plate 92F andthe rear compression plate 92R. When the force generated by the camlever 94 exceeds the preload on the spring 98, the slide ring 122 beginsto slide rearwardly within the spring housing 114 thereby furthercompressing the spring 98. The stroke length SL of the actuator 36 isthe distance the slide ring 122 travels along the axis 96 as the camlever 94 is moved from the non-actuated position to the actuatedposition. Because the preload provided on the spring is relatively high,the stroke length SL can be relatively short. In one embodiment, thestroke length SL is less than 10 millimeters.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment where a viewing opening 140 isdefined through the spring housing 114. The viewing opening 140 ispositioned to allow an operator to view an indicator (e.g., the slidering 122) that moves with one end of the spring 98 while the end of thespring 98 is displaced during actuation of the cable sealing device 30.By monitoring a position of the indicator, the operator can determinewhether sufficient pressure has been provided to the cable sealarrangement 38. In certain embodiments, a pressure scale can be providedalong the viewing opening.

A variety of advantages are achieved by substantially preloading thespring as described above. First, preloading the spring allows thestroke length of the actuator to be relatively short thereby simplifyingthe design of the cam lever. Also, preloading the spring provides forgreater design flexibility in selecting the spring utilized (e.g., aspring having a relatively low spring constant can be used).

When the cable seal arrangement 38 is exposed to compressive load overextended periods of time, it can slightly reduce in volume due to creep,leakage or other causes. To account for seal shrinkage over time, theactuator 36 can be configured to over-compress the cable sealarrangement 38. Therefore, sufficient compressive load continues to beapplied to the cable seal arrangement 38 even when the volume reducesand the front compression plate 92F and the rear compression plate 92Rmove slightly closer together thereby reducing the compressive loadapplied to the cable seal arrangement 38. Preloading the spring asdescribed above also allows the cable sealing device to effectively bedesigned to account for the effects of seal shrinkage than may occurover time. FIG. 22 graphically depicts a spring having a relatively lowspring constant that has been to a pre-loaded to a preload valuegenerally equal to a base loading needed to adequately compress thecable seal arrangement 38. In this embodiment, no stroke length isdedicated for reaching the base loading. Instead, the entire strokelength is dedicated for over-compressing the cable sealing arrangementbeyond the base loading so as to account for seal shrinkage. Because aspring with a relatively small spring constant is used, the reduction instroke length resulting from seal shrinkage only causes a relativelysmall change in loading applied to the cable seal arrangement 38. (e.g.,only a few kPa). This is advantageous because the amount the cable sealarrangement 38 shrinks is proportional to the amount the sealingarrangement is compressed. Thus, it is advantageous to minimize theamount the sealing arrangement is over-compressed. FIG. 23 graphicallydepicts a medium spring constant spring that has not been pre-loaded. Asshown at FIG. 23, a substantially longer stroke length is needed ascompared to the embodiment of FIG. 22, and a greater over-compressionload corresponds to the portion of the stroke length dedicated toaccount for seal shrinkage. FIG. 24 graphically depicts a high springconstant spring that has not been pre-loaded. As shown at FIG. 24, alonger stroke length is needed as compared to the embodiment of FIG. 22,and a substantially greater over-compression load corresponds to theportion of the stroke length dedicated to account for seal shrinkage.

In the depicted embodiment, the actuator 36 is configured such that thecable sealing arrangement is “normally” in the non-pressurized state andthat movement of the cam lever 94 from the non-actuated position to theactuated position actively generates loading for compressing the sealingarrangement. In certain embodiments, the actuator can be configured suchthat the actuator prevents the enclosure from being closed if theactuator has not been actuated to pressurize the cable sealingarrangement. For example, as shown at the modified embodiment of FIG.25, the cam lever 94 can be configured to interfere with closing themain housing 22 when the cam lever 94 is in the non-actuated position P1and can be configured to not interfere with closing the main housing 22when the cam lever 94 is in the actuated position P2. At FIG. 25, themain housing 22 of FIG. 1 has been modified through the addition of anaxial extension 150 (e.g., a truncated conical skirt or collar thatsurrounds the cam lever 94) that projects axially outwardly from thesecond end 26 of the main housing 22. The axial extension 150 includes afirst portion 150 a integral with the cover 42 and a second portion 150b integral with the base 44. Interference between cam lever 94 and thefirst portion 150 a of the extension 150 of the main housing 150prevents the cam lever 94 from being in the non-actuated position P1when the cover 42 is mounted to the base 44 to close the main housing22. If a technician attempts to close the main housing 22 while the camlever 94 is in the non-actuated position P1, the first portion 150 a ofthe cover 42 will contact the cam lever 94 and force the cam lever 94 tomove from the non-actuated position P1 to the actuated position P2.Thus, mounting of the cover 42 to the base 44 automatically moves thecam lever 94 from the non-actuated position P1 to the actuated positionP2. This prevents the technician from closing the main housing 22 andleaving the site without having actuated the sealing arrangement 38.

Once the cam lever 94 is moved to the actuated position P2, a flat 127at the end of the cam lever 172 cooperates with the slide ring 122 toprovide an over-the-center type retention mechanism 129 for retainingthe cam lever 94 in the actuated position P1. Thus, to de-pressurize thecable seal arrangement 38, the main housing 22 must first be opened andthen a force must be applied to the cam lever 94 to overcome theretention mechanism 129 and move the cam lever 94 from the actuatedposition P2 to the non-actuated position P2. This makes it possible toopening the main housing 22 without de-pressurizing the cable sealarrangement 38. Specifically, when the main housing 22 is opened, theretention mechanism 129 retains the cam lever 94 in the actuatedposition P2 and the perimeter casing 56 and the compression plates 92F,92R provide autonomous containment of the cable seal arrangement 38thereby preventing the cable seal arrangement 38 from de-pressurizingeven though the main housing 22 is open.

When the main housing 22 is closed with the cam lever 94 in the actuatedposition P1, pivotal movement of the cam lever 94 is obstructed by theaxial extension 150 such that the cam lever 94 is prevented from beingpivoted fully from the actuated position P2 to the non-actuated positionP1. Thus, unintentional de-pressurization of the cable seal arrangement38 while the main housing 22 is closed is prevented.

In other embodiments, the actuator can be configured such that the cablesealing arrangement is “normally” in the pressurized state and thatmovement of the cam lever from the actuated position to the non-actuatedposition actively generates loading for overcoming a spring pressurethat normally compresses the cable sealing arrangement. In thisembodiment, the spring biases the cam lever toward the actuatedposition. In certain embodiments, the enclosure can be configured suchthat the act of closing the housing causes the cam lever to be engaged(e.g., pushed past an over-the center retention location) therebycausing the actuator to be triggered such that the cam leverautomatically moves from the non-actuated position to the actuatedposition. In further embodiments, actuators having features other thancam levers can be used. For example, pre-loaded springs in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure can be used with variousstyles of actuators.

It will be appreciated that sealing members of the present disclosuremay be formed of any one or more of a variety of sealing materials.Elastomers, including natural or synthetic rubbers (e.g., EPDM rubber orsilicone rubber) can be used. In other embodiments, polymeric foam(e.g., open cell or closed cell) such as silicone foam can be used. Instill other embodiments, the sealing members may comprise gel and/or gelcombined with another material such as an elastomer. The gel may, forexample, comprise silicone gel, urea gel, urethane gel, thermoplasticgel, or any suitable gel or geloid sealing material. Gels are normallysubstantially incompressible; when placed under a compressive force andnormally flow and conform to their surroundings thereby forming sealedcontact with other surfaces. Example gels include oil-extended polymers.The polymer may, for example, comprise an elastomer, or a blockcopolymer having relatively hard blocks and relatively elastomericblocks. Example copolymers include styrene-butadiene or styrene-isoprenedi-block or tri-block copolymers. In still other embodiments, thepolymer of the gel may include one or morestyrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymers. Example extenderoils used in example gels may, for example, be hydrocarbon oils (e.g.,paraffinic or naphthenic oils or polypropene oils, or mixtures thereof).The sealing members can also include additives such as moisturescavengers, antioxidants, tackifiers, pigments and/or fungicides. Incertain embodiments, sealing members in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure have ultimate elongations greater than 100percent with substantially elastic deformation to an elongation of atleast 100 percent. In other embodiments, sealing members in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure have ultimate elongationsof at least 200 percent, or at least 500 percent, or at least 1000percent. Ultimate elongation can be determined by the testing protocolset forth at ASTM D412.

The perimeter casing 56 as well as the compression plates can be formedof one or more of a variety of materials capable of constraining thecable sealing arrangement while the cable sealing arrangement is loadedunder pressure. Example materials include one or more plastic materialssuch as polypropylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, acrylobutadiene-styrene(ABS) or the like. Additionally or alternatively, such members may beformed from one or more metals such as aluminum or steel.

PARTS LIST

-   P1 non-actuated position-   P2 actuated position-   SL stroke length-   S1 first spaces-   S2 second spaces-   20 telecommunications enclosure-   22 main housing-   24 first end-   26 second end-   28 opening-   30 cable sealing device-   32 central cable port-   34 peripheral cable passage region-   36 actuator-   38 cable seal arrangement-   40 interior region-   42 cover piece-   44 base piece-   46 base flange-   48 groove-   50 cover flange-   52 seal compression member-   54 cable sealing unit-   56 perimeter casing-   58 outer sealing element-   60 base piece-   61 outer channel-   62 bridge piece-   63 outer channel-   65 lower ends-   66 lower hook-   68 catch-   70 upper latch-   71 upper ends-   72 central sealing member-   74A inner portion-   74B outer portion-   74C radial leg-   74 lower sealing member-   76A inner portion-   76B outer portion-   76C radial leg portion-   76 upper sealing member-   80 half-opening-   82 half-opening-   84 outwardly facing sealing surface-   86 inwardly facing sealing surface-   88 main cable-   90 peripheral cable-   92F front compression plate-   92L lower plate portion-   92R rear compression plate-   92U upper plate portion-   94 cam lever-   96 axis-   98 spring-   100 opening-   100L lower half-opening-   100U upper half-opening-   102 base region-   104 flexible cable pass-through member-   106 base end-   108 free end-   110 front extension-   112 central opening-   114 spring housing-   116 central shaft-   118 front end-   120 pivot pin-   122 slide ring-   124 positive stop-   126 end cam surface-   127 flat-   129 retention mechanism-   140 viewing opening-   150 axial extension-   150 a first portion of axial extension-   150 b second portion of axial extension

The invention claimed is:
 1. An enclosure comprising: a main housingthat can be opened and closed; and a cable sealing device mounted in themain housing for sealing around a communications cable routed into themain housing, the cable sealing device including a cable sealarrangement for sealing around the communications cable, the cablesealing device also including an actuator that is actuated to pressurizethe cable seal arrangement, the actuator being movable between anactuated position and a non-actuated position, the actuator interferingwith closing of the main housing when the actuator is in thenon-actuated position.
 2. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the actuatoris pivotal between the actuated position and the non-actuated position.3. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a cam leverthat moves between the actuated position and the non-actuated position.4. The enclosure of claim 3, wherein the cam lever is pivotal betweenthe actuated position and the non-actuated position.
 5. The enclosure ofclaim 1, wherein the actuator includes a pre-loaded spring.
 6. Theenclosure of claim 3, wherein the actuator includes a pre-loaded spring.7. The enclosure of claim 6, wherein the actuator has a stroke lengththat is equal to a distance the pre-loaded spring is displaced as thecam lever is pivoted between the non-actuated position and the actuatedposition.
 8. The enclosure of claim 7, wherein the actuator has a strokelength less than 10 millimeters.
 9. The enclosure of claim 7, whereinthe actuator also includes a plurality of compression plates, whereinthe cam lever pivots between the actuated position and the non-actuatedposition, wherein the pre-loaded spring transfers the pre-load to thecompression plates when the cam lever is in the actuated position. 10.The enclosure of claim 9, wherein the pre-loaded spring is capturedwithin a spring containment housing that maintains the pre-loaded springunder a pre-load while the actuator is in the non-actuated position. 11.The enclosure of claim 10, wherein the spring containment housingprevents the pre-loaded spring from transferring the pre-load to thecompression plates of the actuator while the pre-loaded spring iscaptured.
 12. The enclosure of claim 5, further comprising a visualindicator on the pre-loaded spring, the visual indicator indicatingwhether the cable seal arrangement has been fully compressed.
 13. Theenclosure of claim 9, wherein the compression plates include front andrear compression plates, wherein the pre-loaded spring is containedwithin a spring containment tube coupled to the front compression plate.14. The enclosure of claim 13, wherein the pre-loaded spring is capturedwithin the spring containment tube between the front compression plateand a slide ring slidably mounted within the spring containment tube,wherein the slide ring engages a forward stop of the spring containmenttube when the cam lever is moved to the non-actuated position such thatthe pre-load is maintained on the spring and no load is transferredbetween the cam lever and the spring.
 15. The enclosure of claim 13,wherein the actuator includes an actuator shaft coupling the cam leverto the rear compression plate, the cam lever being pivotally coupled tothe actuator shaft, and wherein the actuator shaft extends through thefront compression plate, the spring, and the spring containment tube.16. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the cable sealing arrangement hasa wrap-around configuration.
 17. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein themain housing extends between a first end and a second end, the first endbeing closed, the second end defining an opening in which the cablesealing device is mounted.
 18. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein thecable sealing device includes a peripheral cable passage region forallowing another cable to extend into the main housing, the anothercable having a smaller profile than the communications cable.
 19. Theenclosure of claim 1, wherein the main housing includes a cover piecethat mounts to a base piece, wherein the cable sealing device iscaptured between the cover piece and the base piece.
 20. An enclosurecomprising: a main housing that can be opened and closed; and a cablesealing unit mountable in the main housing, the cable sealing unitincluding a gel block and an actuator that is actuated to pressurize thegel block, the actuator being movable between an actuated position and anon-actuated position, the actuator interfering with closing of the mainhousing when the actuator is in the non-actuated position.